No Brunch & No Spa: Creative Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

“It’s the thought that counts” is a phrase that was undoubtedly coined by a mom. For Mother’s Day it feels especially relevant.
When the brunch spots and spas were closed during Covid, many of us had to get a little more creative than usual. So whether it’s breakfast in bed, take-out from her favourite spot, sending something to her door, or crashing the front lawn with homemade signs, here are some of our favourite gift ideas for Mother’s Day to make the day extra special…
Creative Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
Breakfast in Bed
If you’re spending Mother’s Day with your mom, Rachel Ray and Country Living Magazine offer dozens of great brunch ideas (bed optional) to help you kick it up a notch with easy but impressive recipes like Stuffed French toast, Eggs Benedict and a pancake breakfast sandwich with sausage and avocado. Don’t forget the coffee!
Celebrating from a Distance
For those among us who aren’t so artistically inclined, here are some great printables and simple, kid-friendly homemade craft ideas. Get busy creating then surprise mom. Singing is encouraged. Don’t worry, you won’t be the only one!
Gift Delivery
Not able to see her on Mother’s Day? Send mom something to help make these long days more enjoyable, such as:
A personalized notebook
A personalized, lined hardcover notebook from Etsy to help mom journal her way through the day (or to keep track of which children call her the most).
A quirky, cute candle
Whiskey River Soap Company. Hand-made soaps and candles featuring cheeky sayings are perfect for the mom with a sense of humour.
Handwritten letters
Letters to My Mom featuring 12 fold-and-mail-style envelopes to help you express your love and gratitude.
Books, books and more books
Large retailers like Indigo and Amazon have great selections but local sellers can always use your support. Check out a must-read here.
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Puzzles
Help her pass the time with a puzzle from Canadian-based Cobble Hill Puzzles. Prices vary. Or better yet, turn her favourite family photo into a puzzle with Photobook Canada. Or explore other photobook creations using our list of best photo book sites for Canadians. Prices vary.
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A feel-good subscription box
Who couldn’t use a monthly dose of wellness? Fortunately, there’s a Therabox subscription for that. Theraboxes are curated by therapists and ship worldwide from the U.S. Month to month, 3- 6- and 12-month subscriptions are available.
Cute & funny mugs
We love a good, giant mug for our morning coffee and tea—especially now. Indigo has a range of mugs (from cute and funny to fancy) for you to choose from. Prices vary.
Treat Yourself & Buy Local
- Sweet Treats. Gift mom some gourmet donuts, muffins or cupcakes from your local bakery or from a service like Sweet Flour, who deliver to many locations across Canada.
- Savoury Goods. For the woman who loves her charcuterie (and who doesn’t?) a collection of meat and cheese (plus wine or plus coffee) might (might?!) be the perfect gift. Visit My Baskets to see all available products. Boards ship anywhere Canada Post does.
- Self-Care is Key. Purchase a gift certificate to a local spa or health and wellness practitioner that mom can tuck away for future use.
- Can’t Go Wrong with Flowers. Choose a fresh bouquet from a local florist and small business, like Toronto’s The Delicate Flower. Prices vary.
- Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate. Spark Joy with Soma Chocolatemaker’s 15-piece Spark of Joy Truffle Box. Soma offers free delivery within Canada with $50+ purchases, and free porch drop-offs within Toronto.